„We understand that this is how the Democratic leader attempted to stabilise his influence both within the party and by sending signals of supposed normality to the public. It is also clear that Skvernelis, who is under investigation in one of the biggest corruption cases, currently finds it useful to give the impression to the political and media community, and, let's be honest, law enforcement agencies that he not only retains his influence, but that the prospect of a return to power and negotiations on joining the ruling coalition are real,“ Sinkevičius told ELTA.
„Although the Social Democrats never close the door in advance to any political force or individual members of the Seimas for working together for Lithuania, we cannot and do not intend to become a political cover for politicians who are at the centre of criminal investigations. The Social Democrats are also unimpressed by the Democrats' public campaign to portray the situation as normal and their attempts to downplay the procedural actions taken by law enforcement agencies. Until the pre-trial investigation provides answers about the role of Democratic leader Skvernelis and his possible support for a large-scale political corruption scheme, it would be simply irresponsible to talk about joining the coalition,“ he emphasised.
However, according to the Social Democrats, this does not mean that a transformation of the coalition is impossible.
„I would like to emphasise that the current political situation does not mean that the transformation of the ruling coalition in one form or another is impossible. The Social Democrats are constantly assessing the dynamic political situation and will make the best decisions for the state,“ assured Sinkevičius.
As announced, the opinions of some Social Democrats on continuing to work in a coalition with Remigijus Žemaitaitis' Nemuno Aušra party have been circulating in the public sphere for some time. The Democratic Union Vardan Lietuvos has been mentioned in the public sphere as a possible alternative to this party.
However, during a board meeting of the Democratic Union Vardan Lietuvos on Monday, Skvernelis announced that he does not intend to resign from his position as party chairman.
As announced, while investigating possible large-scale corruption, the STT conducted searches in February in the Seimas offices of Skvernelis, leader of the Democratic Union Vardan Lietuvos, and Kazys Starkevičius, a member of the Conservative faction. Searches were also conducted at their homes.
Artūras Urbelis, a prosecutor at the Prosecutor General's Office, said at the time that the procedural actions against the aforementioned parliamentarians were carried out to verify the version that the alleged criminal acts may have been related to political favouritism.
ELTA recalls that in December last year, during an investigation into large-scale corruption at the State Plant Service, officials detained 13 people. According to the prosecutor's office, the number of suspects has now increased to 14.
According to law enforcement, data collected during the investigation shows that representatives of companies transporting plants and plant products were systematically required to pay, and did pay, large bribes to freight carriers for phytosanitary certificates issued by the State Plant Service.
Among the suspects are Yuri Kornyenko, Director of the State Plant Service, who has now been suspended from his duties; his deputy, Mantas Butas; advisor Agnė Silickienė; Giedrius Urbelionis, head of the Alytus regional branch; and Dalia Šubonienė, acting head of the Kaunas regional branch.
They have been charged with bribery as part of an organised group. Seven private company executives and related individuals have also been charged with bribery, corruption, and influence peddling as part of an organised group.
During more than 100 searches, over EUR 1.3 million in cash and 8 kilograms of gold worth approximately EUR 1 million were seized, and 11,000 packs of cigarettes, 14,000 litres of alcohol, cocaine, and explosives were also found.